PolicySaturday, May 9, 2026Mongabay
Vodun’s sacred role in saving West Africa’s mangroves
In Benin, the Vodun deity Zangbéto plays a crucial role in conserving mangrove ecosystems by prohibiting wood cutting, which has led to the protection of over 500 hectares of mangroves in the past decade. This integration of traditional beliefs and conservation efforts highlights the importance of cultural practices in environmental preservation. Policymakers and activists should consider traditional ecological knowledge as a vital component in sustainable environmental strategies.
